The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, underwent abdominal surgery in London on January 18, and remained in hospital for nearly two weeks.
The announcement was made through Kensington Palace, saying that the planned surgery had been a success and that she would return home to recover after the hospital stay.
Middleton has been given leave from her royal duties while she recuperates, and will be unlikely to return to her public role until after Easter.
The surgery took place in The London Clinic, a private hospital located just outside of Regent’s Park in Marylebone. They treat a range of conditions that involve the abdominal area, from pelvic pain and ulcerative colitis to endometriosis and Crohn’s disease.
While the Princess of Wales was open about the reason she’s withdrawn from public appearances, Kensington Palace has not divulged exactly why she needed to have abdominal surgery.
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private,” the statement read.
“Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.”
On January 30, 2024, they released such an update:
“The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress. The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided. The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”
Kate Middleton’s upcoming engagements have been postponed. Commenters questioned how the surgery could be planned and yet her diary so full. However, ‘planned’ in a medical sense, usually refers to surgeries that are booked in, even in short time frames. It simply means that Middleton wasn’t brought in as an emergency patient.
Ever the dedicated royal, the statement shares Middleton’s regret that her engagements will need to be delayed.
“The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements,” the statement read. “She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”
The post was commented on by many well-wishers.
“Feel better soon, Catherine. Even while she’s not well, she’s worried about everything going on around her. You take care of you and I’m sure people understand the need to respect your privacy for your children. They would want the same for their own,” one commented on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Oh no. I hope she can rest well and take time to heal. Love her she’s such an inspiring lady,” another shared on Instagram.
Catherine’s husband, Prince William, did not undertake any official public duties while Middleton was in the hospital. The Daily Mail reports that her condition is non-cancerous. It is expected that she is Windsor-bound for the remainder of her recovery.
It is expected the Princess will have healed by Easter.
